Scorpion
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy
Penguin Michael Joseph UK
24 Jun 2021
3/5
Netgalley
Maybe
Around the world, twenty-two people have been murdered. The victims fit no profile, the circumstances vary wildly, but one thing links them all: in every case the victim is branded with a number.
With police around the globe floundering and unable to identify any pattern, let alone find a killer, CIA Analyst Quinn Mitchell is called in to investigate.
Before long, Quinn is on the trail of an ice-hearted assassin with seemingly limitless resources - but she's prepared for that.
What she isn't prepared for is the person pulling the strings...
In “Scorpion”, Christian Cantrell delivers a pulse-pounding thriller that defies convention. The novel introduces us to a world where twenty-two seemingly unrelated murders share a chilling commonality: each victim bears a branded number. The circumstances vary wildly, but the enigmatic assassin leaves behind this cryptic mark.
Quinn Mitchell, a CIA analyst grappling with personal tragedy, steps into the fray. Her tenacity and grit drive her investigation into this baffling pattern. Cantrell masterfully weaves together elements of science fiction, mystery, and near-future intrigue.
The heart of the story lies in the pursuit. The assassin, tech-empowered and ice-hearted, eludes capture at every turn. Quinn’s relentless determination propels her forward, even as she grapples with her own demons. The tension escalates as she unravels the threads connecting the victims, their numbers, and the shadowy puppeteer pulling the strings.
Cantrell’s prose is sharp, concise, and evocative. The pacing keeps readers on the edge, and the twists—oh, the twists—are unexpected and exhilarating. As Quinn races against time, we’re treated to glimpses of a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
“Scorpion” is more than a thriller; it’s a meditation on identity, power, and the lengths one will go to protect what matters most. The assassin’s motives remain tantalizingly elusive, and the stakes rise with each revelation. Cantrell’s vision of a tech-driven future feels eerily plausible, adding an extra layer of unease.
While the plot is the star, the characters are no mere pawns. Quinn’s vulnerability and resilience make her relatable, and the assassin’s enigma keeps us guessing. The supporting cast adds depth, from brilliant hackers to shadowy government figures.
In a genre saturated with formulaic plots, “Scorpion” stands out. Cantrell’s fresh take on the cat-and-mouse game is a breath of adrenaline-infused air. Whether you’re a seasoned thriller aficionado or a newcomer, this novel will keep you turning pages late into the night.